I got onto OKCupid to present tests and occasionally take them.
I
also, from time to time, snoop on others who take my tests, just
to
see what makes them tick. Also am happy to discuss the tests
with
takers.

I have made two tests so far - the 'British Eccentric Test' and
the
'Political Objectives Test'. The former was just done for a bit
of
fun. Although the latter was likewise done for fun, it was
also,
and more importantly, to help promote a better understanding
of
political philosophy and movements. I am very impressed with
the
reception it has got so I may as well make a few comments on
its
purpose.

To start with the word is 'objectives' rather than
'objectiveness'.
The test explores the very subjective world of
politics.
It focuses on ideological objectives rather than a random
assortment of disparate issues. It focuses on philosophy
rather
than practice. There are a lot of freedom-loving Yanks who my
test
is rating as 'Anarchists' and to them I apologise if this comes
as
a shock. You are more likely a libertarian in practice. Possibly
in
an environment of extreme crises (e.g. your government truly
becomes the dictatorship some of you imagine it to be) you would
then become the thing my test calls you. Likewise anyone
who my test has called 'Communist' or 'Fascist' or anything
extreme, take it with a pinch of salt.

I hope that the Political Objectives Test will (like many
other
tests on the internet) help to combat the ridiculous notion
of
'left and right' which tells us that there are only two sides
to
politics. I also want to try and demonstrate that there are
many
political stances that all differ but also all share
some
common ground. So a liberal may have some things in common with a
socialist but they will also have other things in common with a
conservative. And indeed the socialist and conservative may
have
some things in common that set them both apart from the
liberal!

Note: I have published survey results of OKCupid users of the
Political Objectives Test
here.

It depends on the Friday night. Sometimes I come home from work
wanting nothing more than to just be slack in my room. Sometimes I
will interact with housemates. Sometimes I will have never gotten
home but rather went from work to a restaurant or cinema to be with
friends.

Since the bulk of this discussion was written my personal life has
become more challenging and rewarding. The story is a rather
involved and even convoluted one. And its latest chapter results in
a relationship status change for me. I preserve the other stuff I
have written (see below) as I think the development of a mindset is
worth tracking.

Introspections 2010-2011

I am wondering whether there is more to OKCupid than tests.
Its status as a dating site intimidates me since I have
always
looked for partners from face-to-face contact. Nonetheless half
my
life has passed (according to a staff-written OKCupid life
expectancy test) and it may be time for a relaxing of my
attitude.
However, there is another problem.

I am mindful that the role of partner involves the fulfilling
of
many criteria and I have come to the conclusion that I can
only
meet some of those. I do well on the 'caring' and
'communicative' front but am found wanting in regards
'ambition' and 'direction'. With that in mind I am thinking of
forgoing relationships.

What is left for someone who has decided that? I find the
proposition of deliberate chastity or celibacy to be
a
dismal one belonging to an austere philosophy which I reject.
On
the other hand the notion of me turning into some kind of
'player'
seems comical. Will I find some kind of balance between these
extremes? For now I will tentatively explore that within the
face-to-face realm. Writing it here simply helps me make sense
of
that intention.